Beach and Culture Vacations
Nothing quite beats topping off a culture-rich trip than topping up your tan with a relaxing few days of sun, sand and sea and we've got a select collection of vacations where you can do just that. Whether it's combining the sights and delights of India’s Golden Triangle with the sandy shores of Goa, the ancient treasures of Egypt with the warm waters of the Red Sea, or a thrilling wildlife safari in Tanzania with the island bliss of Zanzibar, our trips that combine the best of both beach and cultural touring are hard to look past. And for real water babies, we also offer a selection of week-long sailing and cruising vacations in Croatia and Turkey.
Upcoming Beach and Culture Tours
Trip Name | Starts | Departing | Price | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jewels of the Adriatic from Split - 8 Days | Split, Croatia | 22 May 2024 | USD $1,683 $2,805 save 40% | |
Sailing Split - 8 days | Split, Croatia | 25 May 2024 | USD $615 $1,025 save 40% | |
Sailing Split Premium Plus - 8 days | Split, Croatia | 25 May 2024 | USD $1,017 $1,695 save 40% | |
Sailing Split Premium - 8 days | Split, Croatia | 25 May 2024 | USD $873 $1,455 save 40% | |
Jewels of the Adriatic from Dubrovnik - 8 days | Dubrovnik, Croatia | 29 May 2024 | USD $1,971 $3,285 save 40% | |
Top Beach and Culture Combo Destinations
There's plenty of destinations that offer fascinating culture with stunning beaches that makes ideal two-part vacations - spend the first half touring around your chosen destination and experiencing what makes that country so unique before hitting the shores for a much-needed break. To the list below you could also add Burma for the temples of Bagan and the beaches of Ngapali, or Cambodia for the temples of Angkor and resort of Sihanoukville, or even Vietnam for its epic history and divine cuisine with miles of coastline to choose from.
India
A melting pot of religion, ancient traditions and rich cuisine, India has plenty of cultural sites to keep you entertained and also claims one of the world's New 7 Wonders - the iconic Taj Mahal. It also claims miles of coastline with the tropical beaches of Goa and Kerala star attractions on the list of beach options.
Recommended Tour:
Golden Triangle and Goa
Thailand
The ultimate beach destination for many travelers with famous islands such as Phi Phi and Koh Samui, Thailand is certainly not short on fun to be had in the sun. But there's plenty more to the 'Land of Smiles' from the gleaming palaces of Bangkok to the ancient temples of Ayuthaya and the cooking schools of Chiang Mai.
Recommended Tour:
Best of Thailand
Croatia
Fronting the Adriatic Sea where thousands of stunning islands dot the azure waters, Croatia is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world. With a thoroughly Mediterranean vibe, rich history and captivating cities, it's the ideal place to explore from the comfort of a sailboat stopping for swim breaks and harbor town visits.
Recommended Tour:
Sailing Split
Egypt
Home to the original World Wonder, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and a host of ancient cities, tombs and temples from the era of the pharaohs, Egypt brings out the archaeologist in all of us. Claiming a portion of the Red Sea, it also offers ample beach opportunities with the resort of Hurghada where you can snorkel, kite surf and more.
Recommended Tour:
King Ramses
Sri Lanka
With the Cultural Triangle at its heart and 1,340 km of coastline along the island's edges, Sri Lanka is another prime beach and culture combo. Discover the incredible rock fortress of Sigiriya and the revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy before checking out a varied choice of beaches from popular Bentota to the low-key Uppuveli and Nilaveli.
Recommended Tour:
Buddha and Beach
Mexico
Another country that claims a New 7 World Wonder is Mexico with the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza but that's not the only cultural wonder this Central American gem holds - think pretty colonial cities, delicious food and lively festivals. It wouldn't have made it on this list without super beaches either - choose from headliners Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Recommended Tour:
Footsteps of the Mayans
Morocco
The exoticism of Marrakech's souks and the tanneries of Fes have long captured the imagination of travelers and it shows little sign of abating. There's your dose of culture and as for beaches, Morocco's are perfectly suited to those that enjoy water-based adventure with excellent surfing at Taghazoute and kite surfing at Essaouira just some of the options.
Recommended Tour:
Casablanca to Essaouira
Turkey
Where East meets West with influences of Europe and Asia, Turkey is an alluring destination that promises grand mosques, Roman ruins, World War history and natural marvels to boot from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Add to this endless beach options along the coast and the hundreds of islands in the Aegean Sea and you have a prime contender for culture and beach.
Recommended Tour:
Istanbul to the Med
Top Beach and Wildlife Combo Destinations
For serious outdoor enthusiasts, a beach break is a perfect end to a vacation that includes ample adventure in the great outdoors and wildlife galore. Africa is the destination to visit, combining a safari in some of the world's greatest national parks, with a few days on the beach in Zanzibar or Cape Town. Here's some inspiration on how you can best combine wildlife and beach.
Tanzania
Home to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania has long been a safari favorite with the Great Wildebeest Migration one of its standout spectacles of nature. Off the coast lies the idyllic island of Zanzibar where you can unwind on fine powdery sands and swim in crystal clear waters.
Recommended Tour:
East Africa Encompassed
South Africa
A popular safari destination for families thanks to the malaria-free region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa is home to the Big 5 and then some. Here you can visit famed game reserves before following the coastal Garden Route to stop off at secluded bays, rocky coves and sandy beaches for watersports and nature hikes.
Recommended Tour:
Wonders of the Garden Route
Our Recommended Beach and Culture Tours
Get in touch to start planning your beach & culture vacation →
If this has you reaching for your passport and suitcase, get in touch! Our reservations team would be happy to discuss the destinations mentioned here and any itineraries you may have in mind so feel free to contact us to start planning that dream beach vacation with a difference.